Lower Body Lift
Introduction
The lower body lift (circumferential body lift) is cosmetic procedure for repositioning and tightening the skin and underlying tissue of the abdomen, waist, hips and thighs to make it as it was in younger age. It is called a lower body lift because it has the greatest impact on the contour of these parts of body.
The lower body lift produces a firmer and more youthfulcontour by addressing all the areas mentioned below in one setting:
1. Lower back
2. Abdomen
3. Flanks or sides
4. Buttocks
5. Waist
6. Front, back, and outer thighs
Lower body lift is beneficial for people having loose tissue in multiple areas of body but having a stable weight proportionate to the body frame. It is also an option for massive weight loss patients who have excessive loose and sagging skin. It can also improve the cellulite and effects of sun damage on the body. Loss of skin and tissue elasticity can occur after pregnancy also.
Results are usually permanent, unless weight gain or pregnancy occurs. Gravity and ageing take toll on some skin and muscle tone.
A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin.
It is done in patients with good general physical health and in sound mental state having realistic expectations about the results. The risks and steps of the procedure should be discussed with the surgeon prior to it.
The surgeon decides as to which lift procedure is suitable for goals of the patient. Success of the lift depends on skill of surgeon, patient factors and ability of surgeon to foresee the possible results.
Lower body lift can be done in conjunction with other contouring procedures such as:
1. Liposuction
2. A breast lift
3. Male or female breast reduction
4. Arm lift
5. Inner thigh lift.
Lower Body Lift Standard Procedure:
1. It is done by at least two plastic surgeons working at the same time to reduce the total time of surgery.
2. After the anesthesia, incisions are taken in normally occurring anatomical skin folds. They are taken usually at places hidden by clothing and sportswear.
3. All lower body lift techniques tighten the buttocks, back of the thighs and hips as well as outer thighs.
4. Loose sagging skin below the incision is removed and the remaining skin in the buttock and thighs is pulled upwards. This causes tightening of tissues. Sometimes, excision of skin is required.
5. This is followed by removal of the fat layer under the excised skin to lessen fullness and padding in the lower body.
6. Position of the patient needs to be changed on their abdomen or on side during various steps of the procedure.
7. After this, the front of the patient is treated in similar way with the patient positioned on back. There are two options after this. One option is to combine the lower body lift with abdominal contouring or abdominoplasty. The other option is to combine it with an inner thigh lift if the patient has had previous abdominoplasty.
8. Then Incisions are carefully closed in multiple layers after putting drains to control stretching and swelling.
Lower Body Lift Recovery Process:
1. Surgical drains are in place for removing any fluid or blood accumulating within the incisions. Once the fluid drainage decreases, they are removed on outpatient basis, usually in two to three weeks.
2. Sutures are removed after about two weeks of surgery in an outpatient setting.
3. Compression garments are used to control swelling and to support the suspended tissues. They can be used at the time of surgery or during recovery.
4. Patients are encouraged to walk on the day after surgery. Once the drains are removed and discomfort decreases, then the movements are easier.
5. Patient is discharged as walking and moving is comfortable and pain is controlled.
Following are the schedules of recovery
1. Back to work in about 2 to 4 weeks.
2. More strenuous activity in 4 to 6 weeks or more.
3. Fading and flattening of scars in 6 to 18 months
Length of Surgery: the time required for the surgery is about 3 to 5 hours. It is longer if other procedures are done along with the lift.
Anesthesia: the procedure is done under general anesthesia.
The hospital stay: about 2 to 3 days or longer if other body contouring procedures are also performed along with lower body lift.
Results:
Results are usually permanent, unless weight gain or pregnancy occurs. Gravity and ageing take toll on some skin and muscle tone.